Photos by Mare Czinar

Tonto National Forest

LOCATED ON THE NORTHERN EDGE OF HOUSTON MESA five miles north of Payson, Shoofly Village archeological site offers visitors a glimpse of an ancient Arizona culture. The 4-acre compound is comprised of 87 ruins occupied between 1000 and 1250 BCE by people who farmed and hunted the surrounding high-desert grasslands. A network of paved trails winds among crumbling foundations, courtyards and a massive prehistoric “condominium,” while abundant interpretive signs, picnic ramadas and restrooms make for a modern, convenient and educational day trip.

INFORMATION
Length: .25-mile loop
Rating: easy
Elevation: 5,240-5,280 feet
Getting there: From Payson, go 2 miles north on State Highway 87 to Houston Mesa Road, turn right and continue to Mesa del Caballo, where there’s a sign for the ruins.
Information: 602-225-5200 or visit paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/InterpretiveCenters/ShooflyIndianRuins/tabid/141/Default.aspx